2017 NBA 3-Point Contest Betting Preview

2017 NBA 3-Point Contest Betting Preview

Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson edged out fellow Splash Brother point guard Stephen Curry and Devin Booker in last year’s 3-point contest. Thompson returns this year to defend his title and attempt to become the first player since Jason Kapono in ’07 and ’08 to win two consecutive 3-Point contests.

Last Wednesday, Paddy Power released odds for the 3-point contest with Thompson (+350) listed the favorite to repeat. The following day, Bovada posted their odds with a few discrepancies.

Below are the latest odds as they appear at Bovada and Paddy Power.

Player

Bovada (2/18)

Bovada (2/17)

Paddy Power (2/17)

Bovada (2/9)

Paddy Power (2/8)

Klay Thompson

+120

+110

+170

+175

+350

Kyrie Irving

+400

+400

+500

+500

+500

C.J. McCollum

+500

+800

+600

+500

+500

Kyle Lowry

+900

+900

+600

+650

+450

Eric Gordon

+900

+900

+500

+750

+450

Nick Young

+900

+900

+700

+850

+700

Wesley Matthews

+1400

+1100

+1200

+850

+700

Kemba Walker

+1400

+1100

+1200

+950

+1100

Unlike the Slam Dunk contest, there is relatively little separation among the participants. Part of the reason why the race is considered so tight is because almost all the participants have been historically strong long range shooters. Kemba Walker and Nick “Swaggy P” Young are the lone exceptions, especially Young whose 3-point percentage increased a shocking nine percentage points this year (32.5% in ’15-’16 and 41.5% in ’16-’17).

One player who I believe is undervalued is Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving (+500 at Paddy Power). He will be competing in his fourth 3-point contest, which is the most of all the competitors. In addition, aside from Thompson, Irving is the only one of the participants who has won the contest before (2013). If you aren’t sold on Irving yet, don’t forget about his clutch gene.

Who do you think will win the 3-point contest? Will Klay Thompson win back-to-back titles? Is there a long shot that you believe is offering value? Please leave your thoughts and comments in the section below.